• Malema said there was open defiance of the law by those perpetrating FGM and banditry in Kerio Valley.
• Malema said the heavy security teams deployed in Kerio Valley must be directed to act on those perpetrating FGM.
Image: BY MATHEWS NDANYI
Bishops in North Rift counties have raised concerns over an upsurge in cases of female genital mutilation and urged the government to intervene.
The clergymen said the gains realised in the war on FGM were being eroded as communities continue to practice the retrogressive culture, which violates the rights of girls.
This comes days after a gang killed a police officer who was on a mission to rescue girls from FGM in Elgeyo Marakwet county.
The clerics want the government to incorporate the military to supplement the efforts of police officers in taming the vice that is rampant in Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties.
The bishops, who spoke after a meeting in Eldoret, were led by Bishop Zablon Malema, who is the head of Halleluyah church. Also present was Bishop Stanley Michuki of the Hope Restoration Church International.
Bishop Malema hosted a week-long conference for the clergy focusing on peace.
“It is absurd and unacceptable that some people go to the extent of killing a police officer because he was on duty rescuing girls from FGM,” Malema said.
He said it is ironic that despite the deployment of scores of police officers in the forest, no suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of the cop.
“Let those who killed the officer be brought to book immediately,” Malema said.
Early this week, a Catholic priest was attacked by hostile residents while trying to stop a circumcision ceremony in Kamoi village, Marakwet West subcounty, where 15 girls underwent the cut.
Bishop Dominic Kimengich of the Catholic Church condemned the attack and urged the government to tame FGM.
Malema said there was open defiance of the law by those perpetrating FGM and banditry in Kerio Valley.
“I do not understand where the gang gets courage to confront the security personnel and even kill a police officer,” he said.
Malema said the heavy security teams deployed in Kerio Valley must be directed to act on those perpetrating FGM.
“How come the government machinery and resources have been dispatched in FGM-prone areas in North Rift region but the female circumcision is still going on unabated in broad daylight?” he posed.
The cleric also took issue with local elected leaders for keeping mum over the rampant cases of female cut in the region, terming their action as a sign of cowardice.
Bishop Malema and other church leaders said they will conduct campaigns to sensitise residents on road safety during Christmas and New Year festivities.